The problem is conventional harmonic timbres sound rather crunchy when you start playing polyphonically. I'm studying spectral dissonance, the unpleasant beating between partials in complex tones and/or chords. These scales are full of them and are spaced at multiples of that constant (10Hz in the example I gave). Sawtooth waves at 30Hz and 50Hz, for instance, produce neighbouring harmonics between 50/ 60 and 90/ 100 in some of the strongest partials which produces a pronounced roughness to the sound.

What I hope to do is manipulate the spectra so the harmonics stop beating at around 10Hz and survey the effects on listeners. This will be synthesising research by Wendy Carlos, Sethares, Grey and others. I'd be very happy to share my findings and source material but for now any feedback or interest in this proposal/ field would be really appreciated!

The man that hath no music in himself, nor is not mov'd with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils; the motions of his spirit are dull as night and his affections dark as Erebus: Let no such man be trusted. - W. Shakespeare

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